By ebosele@hotmail.com
The Association of Progressive Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (APFFLON) has appealed to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to urgently review the state government’s directive on the use of dealer number plates, warning that the policy could disrupt legitimate motor trade and impose unnecessary hardship on businesses.
The association, led by its National President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, said it supports proper vehicle registration, effective law enforcement and public safety, but expressed concern that the directive could create confusion and unnecessary confrontation for legitimate motor dealers and vehicle owners.
APFFLON urged the governor to ensure that policies affecting the motor trade are introduced only after adequate consultation with stakeholders.
“The Governor should not allow anyone to rubbish the credibility and legacies his administration has established by introducing or implementing measures without adequate consultation with the affected business community,” the association said.
According to APFFLON, the Inspector-General of Police has already established a national policy on the enforcement of unregistered vehicles, making it necessary for the Lagos State Government to harmonise its position with the existing federal enforcement framework.
The association warned that overlapping directives could lead to conflicting interpretations by enforcement agencies, thereby exposing legitimate businesses and vehicle owners to avoidable difficulties.
“More importantly, the Inspector-General of Police has already provided a clear national policy on the enforcement of unregistered vehicles. We therefore urge the Lagos State Government to harmonise its position with the existing federal enforcement framework rather than create overlapping directives that may lead to conflicting interpretations by enforcement agencies,” APFFLON stated.
The group noted that motor dealers are legitimate business operators who contribute significantly to employment, investment and government revenue.
It stressed that their businesses should not be disrupted by policies that fail to recognise the realities surrounding newly imported vehicles awaiting registration.
APFFLON therefore called on Governor Sanwo-Olu to intervene immediately, review the directive and engage motor dealers and other relevant stakeholders before enforcement.
The association maintained that Lagos State should continue to uphold its reputation for responsible governance by balancing effective law enforcement with policies that protect legitimate businesses.
“APFFLON believes Lagos must remain a model of responsible governance, firm on law enforcement, but fair to legitimate businesses,” the association added.
